When it comes to home makeovers, closets are often overlooked. Yet, we use them daily. While maintaining an organized, efficient, and stylish living space is achievable, it is often hard due to busy schedules or confusion on the best organizational route.
Upgrading these areas can make a significant impact on your home's functionality; however, you’re not alone if it seems stressful. With expert insights from Debbie Knutson, Owner of Classy Closets, your closet stresses can be alleviated.
Pantries are a hassle. Between unorganized shelves, opened bags, and children never putting things back in their original spot, it can get overwhelming to look at, and most of the time ends up with things falling out. So, how can you form a plan of action?
“Pantries are a bit tricky. People will have an inspirational photo that they have fallen in love with, however, their space is half to three-quarters the size,” said Debbie. “This is where it comes down to needs versus wants.”
The items that make a custom pantry most desirable? Adjustable shelves for canned goods, baskets on slides that lift for fruits, vegetables, and small snack bags.
“Shallow shelves for spices, slots for cookie sheets, and hooks for aprons and brooms,” added Debbie.
As for clothing closets, they too can get daunting, especially when you have wardrobes for each season or kids who grow out of their clothes every few weeks.
“The standard closet height to have double hang is seven feet. We can frame the closet at eight feet, which will give you an extra shelf all the way around for more storage,” said Debbie. “We can even frame at 10 feet if the space allows and there are no obstacles on the ceiling.”
This will allow for a triple hang for an adult closet. Sometimes a pull-down rod or shepherd’s hook can be used for the clothes up high, creating a good place for out-of-season clothing.
“Nice adult features to add to a custom closet are drawers for jewelry, lift-out hampers, glass inset doors for display, belt/tie racks, valet rods, mirrors, and lighting,” said Debbie.
“For children and baby closets, Classy Closets builds closer to the floor to allow for triple hanging--drawers for diapers and adjustable shelving for baby items. As the years go by, you can move the rods to the upper portion and put the shelves at the bottom to use for toys. Kids can reach the toys, and hopefully put them away,” said Debbie. “Closets are made to grow with you and your family. As your kids become young adults, you can change out the hardware to something more stylish for their taste.”
Inside closets aren't the only ones that get messy! Garage storage is a big issue that many people face. Between holiday items, cars, sports gear, and more, our garages often become an overcrowded, unorganized mess.
“For the garage, we like to install built-in work benches,” said Debbie. “We can design cabinets to fit around rolling toolboxes. In smaller garages, we install upper cabinets to allow a car to still be able to park and open the door to get out.”
Classy Closets also installs wall organizers with different bin and hook options for bikes, garden tools, mechanic tools, and sports equipment. For inside spaces, they also design and install home offices, laundry cabinets, utility rooms, wall beds, and entertainment centers. From basic functional designs to luxury designs, they have a design for all styles and budgets.
Transforming your living spaces doesn't have to be overwhelming. With these expert insights, you can tackle your closet, pantry, and garage organization challenges head-on. Remember, the key is to prioritize your needs, maximize vertical space, and choose versatile solutions that can adapt as your lifestyle changes. By implementing these professional tips, you'll be well on your way to creating functional, stylish, and stress-free storage areas throughout your home. Whether you're dealing with a cramped pantry, an overflowing closet, or a chaotic garage, these strategies will help you reclaim your space and enjoy a more organized, efficient home.